South Africa speedster Dale Steyn has been ruled out of South Africa’s opening World Cup game against hosts England after he has failed to recover from the shoulder injury which he sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL). He will definitely be one of the most important players for the Proteas but as of now, he won’t feature in the playing XI at least for the first match against England.
Ottis Gibson who is currently the head coach of the South African team is hopeful of the fact that if not by the England match, Dale Steyn should be fit for the match against India which is slated to be played on 5th June.
“He is getting closer every day; we hope that if not by Sunday then by the India game,” Gibson was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo on their Twitter handle.
Steyn has been one of the greatest bowlers of the generation and has tormented several class batting line-ups with his raw pace, swing and deviation.
There is certainly no doubt about the fact that he is the twilight of his career. However, Steyn is still a force to reckon with and can dismantle any batting line-up on their day. Hence he will be a crucial cog in South African line-up.
Dale Steyn was brought in as a replacement for Nathan Coulter Nile in the Royal Challengers Bangalore set-up. He bowled brilliantly in just the two matches he played before getting injured yet again. Steyn bowled with venom and made a real difference for RCB.
However, it wasn’t possible for RCB to go through to the playoffs despite the inspiring performance from the fast bowler.